This 10-week crash-course will survey Armenian history and elements of culture (religion, mythology, literature and music, manuscript illumination and architecture) as well as offer a mosaic of social life, traditions and customs (festivals and feasts, childbirth and wedding rituals, funerary cult) of Armenia. It will also discuss transformations of Armenian identity and symbols of ‘Armenianness’ through time, especially in Soviet and post-Soviet eras, based on such elements of national identity, as language, religion or shared history.

Internationally recognized as Poland’s cultural ambassadors, Mazowsze has performed more than 6,000 shows around the world over the last six decades. The incomparable National Song and Dance Ensemble of Poland returns to Chicago with a festive holiday program of Polish carols and dances presented in an amazing kaleidoscopic display of dazzling movement, vibrant color and stunning beauty. The New York Times says, “There is nothing greater than Mazowsze!” Call 312-294-3000 or visit cso.org to purchase your tickets today!

Program Overview

The Alfa Fellowship Program is a high-level professional development exchange program placing qualified young professionals in work assignments at leading organizations in Russia in the fields of business, economics, journalism, law, and public policy. The program accepts 10 American citizens and 5 British citizens per year. Key goals of the Alfa Fellowship Program are expanding networks of American, British and Russian professionals, developing greater intercultural understanding, and advancing US/Russian and British/Russian relations.

The program includes language training, seminar programs, and extended professional experience. Fellows receive travel, free housing, monthly stipends, and insurance.

Program Highlights

Drawing upon extensive contacts throughout industry, media, government, and nonprofit institutions in Russia, the Alfa Fellowship Program works together with participants to identify suitable professional assignments at leading Russian institutions in business, media, and civil society. The Alfa Fellowship Program endeavors to secure positions that meet the interests of both the participants and host institutions. Fellows’ progress is closely monitored by the Center for International Fellowships in Moscow.

In addition to individualized professional assignments, the Alfa Fellowship Program includes:

Four-month Russian language tutoring program in the U.S.

Four-month intensive Russian language course in Moscow

Orientation seminar in Washington, D.C., with accommodation and roundtrip travel included

Housing in Moscow for the duration of the program

Monthly stipend

Limited international health, accident, and liability insurance

Moscow seminar program

Three regional excursions throughout Russia and one in a neighboring country

The Likhachev Foundation (St. Petersburg, Russia) together with Committee on External Relations of St. Petersburg and B. Yeltsin Presidential Center (Moscow, Russia) announces competition for 2-week cultural fellowships in St. Petersburg from May 9 till May 22, 2011.

By January 25, 2011 the Likhachev Foundation will accept applications from professionals in the field of culture and history or arts from the US who are currently working on creative projects related to Russian culture or history. Command of the Russian language is very helpful but not required. Students are not eligible. Airfare and accommodations in St. Petersburg will be covered by the organizers.

Creative project could be a museum exhibition project, a theater performance, a film, photo exhibition, preparation of fiction or research books, etc. related to Russian culture or history. Creative project should be conceived in the US for a broad American audience. Residency in Russia should serve as an important stage in the realization of the applicant’s cultural project.

The Likhachev Foundation will prepare individual programs for the fellows according to their projects’ specifics, to help them achieve maximum results during their fellowships. These programs will include meetings with Russian colleagues, possibilities to work at St. Petersburg museums, libraries, archives, and other organizations.

Application deadline is January 25, 2011.
Fellowships take place May 9 – May 22, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Applicants will be notified of the review panel decision by February 15, 2011.

Application should include: CV (including information on Russian language skills, previous creative projects related to Russia and previous visits to Russia). Description of creative project (up to 3 pages) such as museum or exhibition project, theater performance, film, preparation of fiction or research book and other types of cultural projects related to Russian culture or history. It should contain, in particular, a paragraph on how a residency in St. Petersburg will benefit the applicant’s creative project and which cultural organizations in St. Petersburg the applicant would like to work with.

The name of the Academician D. S. Likhachev (1906-1999) is symbolic for the 20 century Russian culture. A Russian intellectual, survivor of the Soviet Gulag, a great scientist and thinker, a popular figure, he managed to preserve under the totalitarian regime his integrity, honor and fealty to Russia. In the 90s he has become a moral gold standard for many Russians. During his late years D. S. Likhachev conceived the idea of a humanitarian charitable foundation. The idea has been implemented after his death.

The D. S. Likhachev International Charitable Foundation had been founded in St. Petersburg at the end of 2001. The mission for the Foundation was stated by D. S. Likhachev himself as promotion of the Russian culture, education, humanities as well as affirmation of democratic and humanistic values in the society. The foundation supports both regional and international programs, awards grants, promotes seminars and conferences, publishes books, etc.

The Fund of the First Russian President Boris N. Yeltsin was founded in November 2000, as a charity whose main aim is to give the youth of Russia the opportunity to reach their creative potential. The Fund has also taken it upon itself to analyze the various changes that Russia and the world in general went through during the end of the 20th century: to carry out studies on the historical and political foundations of the reforms that took place in Russia. The Fund is working to nurture peaceful and friendly relations between the world’s nations, offering help in the battle against social and religious conflict.

The executive authority – The City Administration is the superior
executive body of St. Petersburg headed by the Governor of the city and other executive departments – the city committees and the administrative-territorial departments. The St. Petersburg Administration is formed of the Governor, the Government, The Governor’s Chancellery, the city committees and the administrative-territorial departments of the Administration subordinate to him. The Committee on External Relations is responsible for state policy of Saint Petersburg in external relations.

The Department of Slavic Studies invites applications for a full-time visiting lecturer position in Russian language and culture for a two-year appointment. Specialization open, with a preference for Russian language pedagogy and Russian culture (broadly defined, any period). The teaching load of six courses per year includes courses in elementary and intermediate Russian, as well as advanced-level content courses in Russian on such topics as cinema, literature, history, contemporary culture, and Russian culture in emigration. Native or near-native fluency in Russian is required; minimum qualification is an M.A., but a Ph.D. is preferred. All members of the department are expected to engage with students outside of the classroom and to actively participate in the life of the department—e.g., by regularly meeting with students over lunch at Russian table, and planning and attending departmental events.

Connecticut College is a private, highly selective liberal arts college with a demonstrated commitment to outstanding teaching and faculty research. Recognizing that intellectual vitality and diversity are inseparable, the College has embarked on a successful initiative to diversify its faculty, student body, and curriculum. The College seeks creative scholars excited about working in a liberal arts setting, with its strong focus on engaged teaching, full participation in the intellectual life of the college, and active involvement in the institution-wide advancement of diversity.

A full-time visiting faculty member’s teaching load is three courses per semester. We value the contributions that visiting faculty bring to our community and encourage their active engagement in all aspects of campus life. Visiting lecturers with appointments for more than one year are participating members of the faculty during their first year, and their presence is welcome at all faculty meetings; they are voting members of the faculty in their second and subsequent years.

Applications received by December 15th will receive full consideration. Candidates should send a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a statement describing the candidate’s teaching philosophy and research interests, and three letters of recommendation to: Andrea Lanoux, Search Committee Chair, Department of Slavic Studies, Campus Box 5301, Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320-4196

ACMS Is Now Accepting Applications for Five Fellowship Programs for 2011

The ACMS has added a new program to its current slate of offerings,
bringing the total number of Fellowship programs to five, for a
maximum of 16 slots. In addition to the US-Mongolia Field Research
Fellowship Program for students, the Faculty Research Program, the
year-long Research Fellowship Program funded by the Henry Luce
Foundation, and the Summer Language Fellowship Program, is the new
Library Fellowship Program.

The application deadline for all of these programs is February 15,
2011. Contact: info@mongoliacenter.org with questions.

ACMS Field Research Fellowship 2011 Program

The American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS), with funding support
from the US State Department Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau,
will make awards for the sixth consecutive year for the ACMS
US-Mongolia Field Research Fellowship Program which supports student
field research in Mongolia. The program will provide awards of up to
$4,000 to approximately 4-5 students from US universities to conduct
academic field research in Mongolia between May and October 2011.
Student applicants can be at an advanced undergraduate, masters or
pre-dissertation doctoral level, and all fields of study are eligible.
Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents currently
enrolled full-time in a university or college in the United States.
Students graduating in the Spring of 2011 are eligible to apply. For
further details visit: www.mongoliacenter.org/field

ACMS Intensive Mongolian Language Fellowship Program Summer 2011

The American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS) invites applications
from students and scholars wishing to participate in an eight week
Intensive Mongolian Language Program from June 13 to August 12, 2011
in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Approximately four Fellowships of up to
$3000 each (including $1,000 to cover expenses and a $2000 tuition
waiver) will be awarded. The purpose of this summer language program,
now in its fourth year, is to provide Intermediate-level students of
the Mongolian language with an opportunity to enhance their
communicative competence through systematic improvement of reading,
writing, listening and speaking skills, in an authentic environment.
Classroom and supervised outside-the-classroom activities will help
students achieve more fluent, accurate and multi-functional
communication. The program entails intensive study of the Mongolian
language at the Intermediate level of language learning which is
equivalent to approximately 9 semester credit hours. The course will
be taught by experienced Mongolian language teachers and is open to
students from all countries. For further details visit:www.mongoliacenter.org/language
ACMS Faculty Research Fellowship 2011

The American Center for Mongolian Studies is pleased to announce the
second year of the ACMS Faculty Research Fellowship. Up to five
fellowship awards of approximately $4000 each will be provided for
travel and living expenses. The fellowship supports faculty members
from US colleges and universities to conduct short-term field research
in Mongolia between May and October 2011. Applicants must be US
citizens or permanent residents currently teaching at a college or
university in the United States. The program priority is to support
faculty from non-research intensive universities and colleges,
especially faculty who are helping guide student research projects or
who can show how the experience will enhance their teaching. Prior
experience working in Mongolia is not a requirement and the program is
open to all fields of study. For further details visit:www.mongoliacenter.org/faculty

ACMS Library Fellowship 2011

American Center for Mongolian Studies is pleased to announce the first
year of the ACMS Library Fellowship. This fellowship supports US
advanced graduate students or faculty members in library science from
US colleges and universities to conduct short-term projects and/or
research in Mongolia for a period of up to 3 months. Applicants must
be US citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in or
teaching at a college or university in the United States. The ACMS
Library Fellowship program is to help support the development of the
ACMS research library through specific defined projects designed to
enhance the collection content and resource availability. The Fellow
will also offer training and support for local scholars and the
public. Fellows will spend up to 12 weeks onsite in Mongolia at the
ACMS library; prior experience working in Mongolia is not a
requirement. One to two Fellowships will be awarded to fund travel and
living expenses ($2,000 for travel and up to $2,000 for a project
stipend unless otherwise agreed upon). For further details visit:www.mongoliacenter.org/librarian

ACMS Research Fellowship 2011

The ACMS Research Fellowship Program will annually support three
fellows to conduct up to 12-months of doctoral dissertation or
post-doctoral research in Mongolia on topics in the Social Sciences or
Humanities. Natural Science research is not eligible, unless there are
clear areas in which the research furthers social, cultural,
political, or policy knowledge relevant to Mongolia or the region. All
applicants must be citizens of the US or Canada, and must be attending
or recently graduated from a university in the US or Canada. The
program seeks to promote research opportunities in Mongolia among
scholars who have not included the country in their previous research,
and to broaden the knowledge base of scholars already working in the
country. Previous Mongolian Studies experience is not required, but
projects should enhance knowledge of Mongolia and the Mongols within
relevant academic disciplines or fields of study. Projects that link
research conducted in Mongolia to research in other parts of Asia or
across academic fields are especially encouraged. For further details
visit: www.mongoliacenter.org/doctorate

Columbia University’s The Birch is the nation’’s first undergraduate journal of Eastern European and Eurasian culture, founded in 2004. In an effort to maintain the quality of our journal, we have elected to produce a larger, single issue that will be available for students in the spring instead of two, smaller issues typically distributed in the fall and spring. This decision was made primarily to allow contributors to have more time to develop their ideas and projects so that we can continue to produce a journal that students look forward to engaging with, cherish, and respect.

Our publication retains the same structure. It consists of three sections: Creative Writing (poetry, prose, non-fiction essays), Literary Criticism, and Culture & Affairs (including historical and political analysis). We also welcome original photography, translations, and political cartoons.

For this year’’s issue, we encourage undergraduate students to submit high-quality pieces of 1500-2000 words. We particularly seek writing on less-explored topics as well as articles on current affairs in the region. While most of our content is in English, we look forward to reading submissions written in Russian or other languages of the region and envision an issue that is less Russo-centric.

We hope some of your undergraduates will take advantage of this opportunity and submit to us at thebirchjournal@gmail.com by February 14, 2010. Please note that all submissions should include the writer’s name, e-mail address, and institution.

The Department of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University-Bloomington invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Turkic Applied Linguistics beginning August 2011 at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Applicants must hold a doctorate or anticipate its completion by the time of the appointment, in a field of second language acquisition (applied linguistics). Candidates should have a record of publications on Turkic applied linguistics/second language acquisition.

Candidates should have native or near native fluency in Turkish or another Turkic language. The successful candidate will teach classes in Turkish or other Turkic languages and in second language acquisition/applied linguistics, coordinate and supervise language instruction in the department, and play an active role in Indiana University’s Title VI Language Resource Center, the Center for Languages of the Central Asian Region. The candidate will also be expected to pursue grant opportunities for expanding the Turkic language program at Indiana University. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For full consideration, complete applications must be received by December 15, 2010. Send paper copies of your letter of application, curriculum vitae, and a writing sample or samples approximately 25 pages in length, as well as three signed copies of letters of recommendation, to Turkic Applied Linguist Search Committee, Department of Central Eurasian Studies, Indiana University, 157 Goodbody Hall, 1011 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-7005.

Indiana University is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.